Extreme Fire Danger & Vernon School Honored

November 15, 2024

The fire danger remains extreme in Vernon and across Connecticut without much rain in the forecast. I'll break down why local firefighters continue to urge everyone to avoid all outdoor burning.

The state recognized a local school for its continued academic excellence in the classroom. Keep scrolling to learn which school is among the top 10% in the state.

Students across Vernon Public Schools thanked our veterans for their invaluable service. Please read below to see how one school went above and beyond to honor a 100-year-old veteran.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks way, and you have an opportunity to make it a special holiday for those in need. Take a look below at what food you can donate ahead of the holiday.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Fire Danger Remains Extreme
  • Spotlighting Local Academic Excellence
  • Honoring Our Veterans
  • Request for Thanksgiving Donations
  • Community Events
 
Fire Danger Remains Extreme

The Town of Vernon Fire Department urges everyone to stop burning any items outside. Over the past couple of weeks, firefighters have responded to:

  • A pair of significant brush fires
  • Multiple mulch fires
  • More than a dozen unauthorized burns
  • Two lawnmower fires
  • Two trash fires

The risk for extreme fire danger is real, and Governor Ned Lamont declared a Stage 2 Drought Advisory across Connecticut due to an incredibly small amount of rain over the past two months.

I urge you to be mindful of how much water you use by shutting down automatic outdoor irrigation and/or fixing leaky plumbing. Please help us to keep our community safe!

An emergency burn ban remains in effect across all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas. Outdoor burning is not allowed, and crews in Vernon will enforce the ban, which means you cannot use:

  • outdoor grills
  • firepits
  • campfires

Please dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
 
Spotlighting Local Academic Excellence

Congratulations to Skinner Road School for being named in the top 10% of schools in Connecticut in 2024! The students, staff, and families deserve a ton of credit for this remarkable academic achievement.

The Connecticut Department of Education also named Skinner Road School as a Connecticut School of Distinction for the fifth time. These recognitions highlight everyone’s unwavering dedication and hard work which is setting a standard of excellence!
 
Honoring Our Veterans
Vernon Public Schools honored and thanked our heroes on Veterans Day. Students met with veterans who shared their stories of military service to our country. It’s important for our youth to understand and respect our veterans’ invaluable dedication, courage, and sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
Vernon Center Middle School made 100-year-old Robert Garabedian feel extra special when about 700 students sang “Happy Birthday.” The World War II veteran and fighter pilot was emotional as he responded with a smile and smart salute.
Thank you to all our veterans for your service. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment they have made for our nation.
 
Request for Thanksgiving Donations
The Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) is asking for your help ahead of its Thanksgiving food distribution. Organizers ask those who can to donate the following items as soon as possible:

You can drop off your donation at the HVCC Food Pantry (29 Naek Road, Suite 5A) during regular hours or at the donation bins at Stop & Shop in Rockville and Vernon.

Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need this holiday season.
 
Community Events
The Vernon ROCKS Coalition is hosting a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for Rockville High School (RHS) students, staff, and Vernon Police. The free event will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 2:30 P.M. at the RHS gym. CLICK HERE to register your team!